From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 72

Chapter 9

Declan went all out getting back everything that belonged to me, making a huge public announcement that I was still alive.

He begged people online to help him find me.

The reward money was so high it got everyone’s attention.

His move forced me to stay hidden at home again, couldn’t risk going out.

Watching that exhausted–looking man in the videos, I couldn’t figure out what the hell he was trying to do.

I’d already disappeared like he wanted–shouldn’t he be happy?

“Harley, you and Declan…”

“Uncle Zane, me and him? We’re done!”

A month later, Declan tracked down Maya through some clues.

“Declan, quit the fake act.”

He handed her a check and property deed:

“This is compensation.”

Maya didn’t even look, just tore them up:

“Harley doesn’t wanna see you.”

She turned to leave, then stopped and muttered:

“Hope Uncle Zane can take good care of her…”

Declan’s eyes went wide, immediately sending people to investigate Uncle Zane.

His assistant quickly reported back:

“Zane Walsh moved to Iceland five years ago. He’s been looking for a matching heart donor lately.”

Declan’s heart was pounding like crazy, about to burst out of his chest.

All the pieces fit!

ije immediately arranged a private jet:

“Iceland, Now!”

The plane landed while Iceland was getting light snow.

Decian bushed straight to that private hospital.

The receptionist wouldn’t give up any info:

17:41

From “Clif zy to Gone: My Independence Was His Biggest Regret

Chapter 9

Sorry, we protect patient privacy”

He camped out at the hospital from dawn to dusk

Finally, he spotted a familiar figure-

Uncle Zane was carrying a thermos, walking quickly into the hospital

Declan was about to go up to him when he saw Uncle Zane turn toward the end of the hallway

There, someone in a wheelchair was quietly watching the snow outside the window,

White hair like snow, pale profile–exactly the face he’d been dreaming about

Declan froze, eyes immediately getting red.

His mouth opened but no sound came out.

He could only watch Uncle Zane put a blanket around me and slowly wheel me away.

Not until that figure disappeared did he find his voice:

“Harley…”

He didn’t dare just show up in front of me.

He was scared I’d get so shocked I’d have another attack. So he stood outside my room all night.

The next day when Uncle Zane came out, he walked up to him.

“Mr. Walsh.”

Uncle Zane’s face changed when he saw him:

“What are you doing here?”

Declan’s voice was hoarse:

“Let me see her.”

“No way.”

Uncle Zane said coldly. “Harley finally got stable. She can’t handle any more stress.”

Declan handed over a document:

“This is Sterling Corporation’s ownership transfer. All the assets are in her name now.”

Uncle Zane didn’t even look:

“She doesn’t need this stuff. It was already hers–just got stolen by some shameless thieves who used it to kiss aza!”

Then what does she need?” Declan asked desperately. “Whatever I can do…”

“She needs you to disappear.”

ndependents

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Chapter 9

“Mr. Walsh, I messed up. I can…”

Uncle Zane cut him off. “Declan, leave her alone! Hasn’t she suffered enought because of you there for year*

Declan stared at my closed hospital door, saying quietly:

“At least let me know if she’s okay.”

“She’s great. Without you, she’ll ortret better.”

Declan stood there for a long time.

Finally, he went to get tested for heart compatibility.

While waiting for results, he hid in corners every day, secretly watching Uncle Zane wheel me our for walks

My color got better day by day, sometimes I’d squint in the sunlight.

Like a little animal finally coming out of its cave.

He didn’t dare get close, could only watch from far away.

The day before surgery, he saw me sitting alone on a bench.

Without thinking, he walked over.

I heard footsteps and looked up-

No hate, no resentment, just calm.

Like looking at a stranger.

Declan’s throat tightened, thousands of words stuck in his chest.

Finally, he just asked quietly:

“Harley, are you… doing okay?”

“Yeah.”

After a pause, I added:

“Thanks for everything you did for the Sterling family

Distant and polite.

More devastating than hate.

Declan looked at my wheelchair, voice shaking

Your legs

“Side effects.”

Faid it like it was nothing. “Lucky no te abue.”

Chapter 9

From the moment Sierra told me the truth, I knew she’d try to kill me anytime,

Uncle Zane was too far away to get back and safely take me away.

So i had no choice but to take a crazy risk and play along with Sierra’s act.

Decian couldn’t hold back anymore and dropped to his knees in front of me

“Harley, I’m sorry…”

1 looked down at him, eyes still calm.

“It’s all in the past.”

Uncle Zane’s voice came from the distance.

1 pushed my wheelchair and turned to leave.

After a few steps, I stopped.

“Decian.”

1 kept my back to him, voice very soft:

“Let it go. I don’t wanna see you anymore.”

“Okay!”

Declan knelt in the snow, watching my figure get farther and farther away.

He knew some shit couldn’t be fixed. Ever.

Some people, once you lose them, they’re gone for good,

My heart surgery went perfectly, and Declan kept his word–never showed his face again.

I watched the northern lights alone, enjoyed the snow alone, lived a good life alone.

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